Spring Break or Spring Breakdown...?
Do you ever feel like you need a break after Spring Break? That you go into Spring Break with this vision of what it's going to be like, but leading up to it, you're exhausted from balancing work and getting the family in order...and returning from it, you're exhausted prepping the family to return to school routines.
The definition of a break is "to stop doing something for a short period of time: to rest." For our kids, it's one week off from school – a break from their studies. For some of us moms, it can mean being on the verge of a breakdown trying to organize the family trip or camps while still juggling the 911 work calls.
When you're a kid, this truly feels like a break – you get to sleep in, do all the activities you love, hang out with your friends during the day, etc. When you're a mom, even if you decide to take the time off with your kid(s), it can still not feel like the break you deserve or need. Yes, it's a break from work responsibilities, but what about a break from the other responsibilities that can weigh us down?
Don't get me wrong, family time is important and brings joy to your life... but so does alone time. Alone time where you truly get a break from all responsibilities. This doesn't mean waiting until you're on the verge of a breakdown to schedule your break... this means being intentional with how you're scheduling your time, and making it a routine habit.
My husband and I have our routine "breaks" we've gotten in the habit of doing before our kid and after. Every year we take 1-2 family trips, a group trip with friends, I take a girls trip and he takes a guys trip, and we'll take a trip with just the two of us. These are the major vacations for us, but taking a break doesn't mean you have to travel. Ever try a "staycation," where you check yourself into a hotel in your city? Sometimes all you need is 1 night and two days of having to only take care of yourself.
Reflect back to when you experienced a true "Spring Break" when you were in school... remember that feeling. Remember how "on" you were when you returned to school. That is your WHY – why it's important to pause. And not just pause work things, but pause all things.
I talk a lot with my clients about blocking off "white space" or "buffer blocks" on their calendar – you can call it whatever you want... "me time," "break time," "DND," "breath"... whatever it is, make sure it shows up as an appointment on your calendar. Because yes, vacations and getting away for a night is absolutely amazing, but the times in between are even more crucial to your overall wellbeing and help prevent burnout leading up to the big break.
I intentionally block off time during the workday and at home for "me time." It's time for me to decompress, reflect, refocus, give gratitude... just pause. Sometimes I even just close my eyes for a quick 10-15 minute cat nap. I've learned the hard way that pushing through to the point of exhaustion does nobody, especially me, any good. I'm actually more productive and patient throughout the day when I take intentional breaks. I'm more present at work and at home. And most importantly, I feel happy... I go to bed feeling relaxed vs. burned out, and I wake up energized and ready to do it all over again!
So, as we go into this next quarter, I want you to take a look at your calendar and start adding your own "buffer blocks," and a well-deserved break! I'm sure you're coming up with 1,000 reasons why you can't do this... but in the spirit of Mel Robbins' 5-second rule... count down from 5 and just DO IT! If it's important to you, you will find a way. And if you need help finding a way, I got you! Schedule a 15-minute consultation call with me, and I would love to help you intentionally plan your self-care journey while thriving in all areas of your life.... Because you deserve a break!
Live You. Love You,
Maria LyVonne
